QUINN HUGHES WINS NORRIS TROPHY

QUINN HUGHES WINS NORRIS TROPHY - Blue Jackets young defenseman honored with award for top defenseman in the NHL

The Blue Jackets congratulate the squads young star defenseman, Quinn Hughes, on winning this year’s RHL Norris Trophy! The award is voted on by the league’s general managers and given to the defenseman who “best demonstrates the greatest all around ability at the position” throughout the season. Hughes’ performance this season was nothing short of extraordinary, as he showcased his exceptional skills at both ends of the ice which was a significant reason for the team’s overall success. 

Hughes was a consistent presence on the Columbus blue line, playing in all 82 games for the Jackets this season, averaging just over 22 minutes a night. Anchoring the team’s top pairing alongside captain Alex Pietrangelo, Quinn also led the top power play unit. Though he only scored a single goal this season, his offensive contributions should not be understated as he showcased his playmaking ability by setting up his teammates with a league-leading 62 assists, with 51 of those coming at 5 on 5 play. But to win the Norris, you need not only to demonstrate your offensive skills, but also show off your defensive capabilities as well. Recording 61 takeaways and blocking 87 shots, Hughes played most of his minutes against the opposition’s best offensive players on the top pairing. One of the most remarkable aspects of Hughes’ season was his disciplined play on the ice. In those tough minutes, he managed to stay on the ice for almost the entire span as he only took two minor penalties over the entire 82 game season.

Hughes was able to play his best hockey of his young career in part due to the veteran presence of his partner, Alex Pietrangelo. The yin to Hughes' yang, the pairing has formed a formidable top defensive unit for the Blue Jackets, matching up against the top competition on every shift. Pietrangelo’s experience and leadership has complimented Hughes’ dynamic style of play, fully allowing him to roam the ice and jump into the offense while providing a steady presence on the back end. Together, they have been able to shut down other team’s top lines, while also contributing offensively. 

This season was the first year of Quinn’s 8 year contract extension with the Blue Jackets. The long term commitment from General Manager MixtureBill is already proving to be a wise investment. Hughes has lived up to and even exceeded expectations, proving that he has been worth every penny. Coach Todd McLellan said that his impact has gone beyond individual statistics, with his presence from the blue line elevating the team’s overall performance. McLellan says he relies on his ability to control the pace of the game, transitioning the puck quickly and effectively from defense to offense all while providing great defensive play in crucial moments. The coach also said his all around ability has been a factor in setting the team’s strategy, as his blend of offensive creativity, defensive ability, and disciplined play allows him to get creative with the teams lines. Perhaps most importantly, coach McLellan said that Quinn provides the young Blue Jackets players with a model of the importance of versatility and the impact having a well rounded skillset can have on a team. 

As Hughes continues his career with the Blue Jackets, the expectations will remain high. However, given his performance this season, there is every reason to believe that he will continue to thrive and perhaps even reach new heights. His development and sustained excellence will be crucial for the Blue Jackets’ aspirations in the coming years. Quinn Hughes’ receipt of the RHL's Norris Trophy is a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding season. As he embarks on the next phase of his career with a long-term contract in place, the Blue Jackets and their fans can look forward to many more seasons of stellar play from their star defenseman.